Monday 20 February 2012 saw the auspicious Hindu festival of Maha-Shivaratri celebrated at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London. The day began with the sacred and traditional abhishek of the Shivalinga performed by the sadhus.
The ice Shivalinga on display in the Haveli entrance symbolised the manifestation of Lord Shiva, providing a reminder of Amarnath in India where a natural ice Shivalinga exists.
Devotees and visitors had the opportunity to offer Shiva-Puja with bilva-patra (bael leaves) and perform abhishek of the Shivalinga with milk throughout the day. A beautiful Annakut was offered as well, in which many varieties of ‘falahar’ items were offered at the shrines of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Shiva-Parvati. Devotees observed a ‘falahari’ fast throughout the day.